Welcome to the STEM page, sponsored by YALSA's STEM Task Force. We hope you will use this wiki page to get ideas on how to effectively integrate STEM into your library programs and services. And what is STEM you ask? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and is one of the hottest topics in education and library circles. STEM programming is one way to engage teens in your library and encourage learning and exploration in new ways. We think this page is a good start on STEM resources, but we need your help to make it great. So feel free to add suggestions of resources, programs, and more to the page. The more you share, the more we all learn! For additional resources, check out YALSA's STEM Programming Toolkit

Work alongside scientists investigating colonial-era graves near Jamestown, Virginia: a teenage boy, a ship's captain, an indentured servant, a colonial official and his family, and an enslaved African girl. All are reaching beyond the grave to tell us their stories, which are written in bone. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

DEATH AND DESTRUCTION

Getting sick and dying can be a big, ugly mess-especially before the modern medical care that we all enjoy today. How They Croaked relays all the gory details of how nineteen world figures gave up the ghost. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Connolly, Sean. The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists.
Tame fire just like a Neanderthal. Round up all your friends and track the spread of "disease" using body glitter. Rediscover the wheel and axle with the ancient Sumerians, and more. By letting kids stand on the shoulders of history’s greatest scientists & inventors this book is an uncommonly engaging guide to science, and the great stories of the men and women behind the science. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Cronn-Mills, Kristin. Collapse!: The Science of Instructional Engineering Failures.
Explains, using examples of structural collapses from around the world, the science behind structural engineering and the reasons behind engineering failures.

HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Gribbin, John. The Scientists: A History of Science Told Through the Lives of Its Greatest Inventors.
A readable account of scientiﬁc development over the past ﬁve hundred years, focusing on the lives and achievements of individual scientists. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Hakim, Joy. Aristotle Leads the Way.
Readers will travel back in time to ancient Babylonia, Egypt, and Greece. They will meet the world's first astronomers, mathematicians, and physicists and explore the lives and ideas of such famous people as Pythagoras, Archimedes, Brahmagupta, al-Khwarizmi, Fibonacci, Ptolemy, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Hakim will introduce them to Aristotle—one of the greatest philosophers of all time—whose scientific ideas dominated much of the world for eighteen centuries. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Hakim, Joy. Newton at the Center.
Students will watch as Copernicus's systematic observations place the sun at the center of our universe—to the dismay of establishment thinkers. After students follow the achievements and frustrations of Galileo, Kepler, and Descartes, they will appreciate the amazing Isaac Newton, whose discoveries about gravity, motion, colors, calculus, and Earth's place in the universe set the stage for modern physics, astronomy, mathematics, and chemistry. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Hakim, Joy. Einstein Adds a New Dimension.
In volume three, students will look over Albert Einstein's shoulder as he and his colleagues develop a new kind of physics. It leads in two directions: to knowledge of the vast universe and its future (insights build on Einstein's theories of relativity), and to an understanding of the astonishingly small subatomic world (the realm of quantum physics). Students will learn why relativity and quantum theory revolutionized our world and led to the most important ideas in modern science, maybe of all time. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Kumar, Manjit. Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality.
Quantum theory is weird. For most people, quantum theory is synonymous with mysterious, impenetrable science. This account of this fundamental scientific revolution focuses on the central conflict between Einstein and Bohr over the nature of reality and the soul of science. This book takes a close look at the golden age of physics, the brilliant young minds at its core and how an idea ignited the greatest intellectual debate of the twentieth century. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon.
In December of 1938, a German chemist laboratory made a discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

This book reveals a lesser-known yet fascinating side of the 16th president of the United States. The authoritative narrative reveals Lincoln as our nation’s first hands-on Commander-in-Chief, whose appreciation for the power of technology plays a critical role in the North’s Civil War victory over the less developed South. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Ottaviani, Jim. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas.
A brief, history of three female primatologists who made great contributions to their fields. Told in graphic novel format, this book takes a look at each woman's significant achievements.

MATH

Hayhurst, Chris. Euclid: The Famous Geometer.
Euclid is known as the father of modern geometry. Thriving during his time, Euclid came up with some of the most basic but groundbreaking developments in geometry, which are still used today. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Karamadides, Dimitra. Pythagoras: Pioneering Mathematician and Musical Theorist of Ancient Greece.
Pythagoras, known to us primarily for the Pythagorean theorem that bears his name, was a Greek mathematician and philosopher. He was interested not only in math but made advances in astronomy, music, physical science, medicine, and many other areas as well. This authoritative volume shows that Pythagoras still has the power to inform and inspire a life lived for the love of knowledge. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

NATURE

Anderson, Maxine. Explore Spring! 25 Great Ways to Learn About Spring.
From tracking spring peepers and raising tadpoles to learning about seeds and recording plant growth, this activity book invites young readers to explore the wonders of spring by becoming scientists in the field. Combining hands-on learning with solid science, trivia, riddles, and terrific illustrations, projects investigate "the reason for the season" and include identifying trees and measuring their growth, recording soil temperature, and observing the forest floor. Bird migration and nest building are covered, and the movement of air and water is studied with experiments in capillary action and in such activities as "Making Parachutes," Making Kites," and "Mapping Air Currents with Bubbles." - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Pearson, Susan. Charles Darwin and the Mystery of Mysteries.
Young readers of this altogether fascinating biography follow Charles Darwin not only on his journey aboard the HMS Beagle but also through the thinking that led him to his world-changing theory and most famous work, The Origin of th e Species. Complete with historical photographs and documented passages straight from Darwin’s personal diary, this engaging book ensures that a new generation of young readers will get to know one of the scientists who shaped our understanding of the world. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Levine, Ellen. Up Close: Rachel Carson.
Rachel Carson combined her love of science and writing in her award-winning and controversial book Silent Spring. Revealing the dangers of pesticide use, it brought readers a new awareness of humankind’s contamination of the environment and ultimately led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Revkin, Andrew. New York Times The North Pole Was Here: Puzzles and Perils at the Top of the World.
In his quest to understand the pole, Andrew leads readers through the mysterious history of arctic exploration; he follows oceanographers as they drill a hole through nine feet of ice to dive into waters below; peers into the mysteries of climate modeling and global warming; and ultimately shows how the fate of the pole will affect us all. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

SCIENCE PROJECTS

Goodstein, Madeline P. Goal!: Science Projects with Soccer.
What is the best angle to launch a soccer ball? How does a standing kick compare with a running kick? How do you decide if it is better to pass or dribble? How does air drag affect a soccer kick? - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONING AND RESEARCH

Abrahams, Marc. The Ig Nobel Prizes.
Drawn from the world’s wackiest actual research, The Ig Nobel Prizes demonstrates the extreme measures that people will take in the quest for knowledge, and pays tribute to those individuals whose achievements cannot - or should not - be reproduced. The Ig Nobel Prizes is an entertaining exhibition of brains and determination. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Abrahams, Marc. The Ig Nobel Prizes 2: An All-New Collection of the World’s Unlikeliest Research.
The Ig Nobel Prizes 2 demonstrates the incredible lengths to which people will go in the pursuit of knowledge. Featuring anecdotes from the 2004 Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony and a zany collection of all new achievements, The Ig Nobel Prizes 2 is perfect for anyone who first wants to laugh and then wants to think. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Boese, Alex. Elephants on Acid: And Other Bizarre Experiments.
Alex Boese reveals to readers the results of not only this scientific trial but of scores of other outrageous, amusing, and provocative experiments found in the files of modern science. Why can’t people tickle themselves? Would the average dog summon help in an emergency? Will babies instinctually pick a well-balanced diet? Is it possible to restore life to the dead? Read Elephants on Acid and find out! - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Gribbin, John. In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat.
Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering. "In Search of Schrodinger's Cat" tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an ever more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, superconductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrodinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world. - Annotation Adapted from Goodreads.com

Horne, Richard and Tracey Turner. 101 Things You Wished You'd Invented--And Some You Wish No One Had.
In this book, you will discover 101 of the most interesting, most dangerous, and most unnecessary inventions out there. Make something, invent something, or just impress your friends with your increased knowledge about where all those crazy contraptions came from.

New Scientists Book Staff. Does Anything Eat Wasps?: And 101 Other Unsettling, Witty Answers to Questions You Never Thought You Wanted to Ask.
Full of fun fact-lets and trivia that make for compulsive reading, Does Anything Eat Wasps? is a compilation of the best-ever questions and answers compiled in the "Last Word" column of New Scientist magazine, the world’s bestselling science weekly, where readers turn for answers to life’s biggest (and smallest) mysteries. An international bestseller, Does Anything Eat Wasps? celebrates all questions—the seemingly trivial, the baffling, and the downright strange—and their often weird and wacky answers.

Orzel, Chad. How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog.
Physics professor Chad Orzel and his inquisitive canine companion, Emmy, tackle the concepts of general relativity in this irresistible introduction to Einstein’s physics. Through armchair—and sometimes passenger-seat—conversations with Emmy about the relative speeds of dog and cat motion or the logistics of squirrel-chasing, Orzel translates complex Einsteinian ideas—the slowing of time for a moving observer, the shrinking of moving objects, the effects of gravity on light and time, black holes, the Big Bang, and of course, E=mc2—into examples simple enough for a dog to understand. A lively romp through one of the great theories of modern physics, How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about space, time, and anything else you might have slept through in high school physics class.

AWESOME PROGRAMMING RESOURCES

Physics Central has news, experiments that can be done at the library, books, contests, and an “ask-a-physicist” section.

Wearable Technology: The site, by Mika Satomi and Hanna Perner-Wilson, shows off wearable projects such as sweatshirts and bracelets made with LEDs.

Computer Science Ed Week: From the site: “Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) – December 9-15, 2012 – is a call to action to share information and offer activities that will advocate for computing and elevate computer science education for students at all levels. Everyone can participate!”

Cosmo Quest: Experiments, classes, and resources for learning about the universe.

Northern Illinois University provides a number of resources for use by educators, k-12 students, college students, and parents on its website.

Scholastic provides a number of classroom activities related to The Magic School Bus series.

Try Science Sponsored by the New York Hall of Science, provides ideas for experiments, field trips, and adventures.

Lunar and Planetary Institute The Discover Earth activities focus on Earth science topics close to home — such as local weather and the plants, animals, crops, and environmental features unique to your region — as well as a global view of our changing planet.

Hackasaurus: Makes it easy to mash up and change any web page like magic. A step by step FREE toolkit walks you through hosting your very own hack jam!

ThinkGeek: One-stop-shopping for totally fun toys and games, including Periodic Quest, the game that teaches the Periodic Table of Elements.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL STEM PROGRAMS

Here are just a few examples of STEM-oriented programming. Have you done something awesome? Please share!

Programming Librarian: Cheryl Heid writes about the successful execution of ALA's Public Programs Office traveling exhibit the Visions's of the Universe at the Johnston Public Library in Iowa. Enlisting the on-site help of the local fire department and the Science Center of Iowa, support of the school district, and a skype session with a Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory scientist, the program went off with flying colors. She states that the library's continuing STEM initiatives started with the receipt of this grant, grew due to her partner relationships, and continue on thanks to community support.

Beyond LEGOS: Coding for Kids: Gretchen Caserotti writes about her library’s successful kid’s coding classes and provides an amazing annotated list of resources. She says, “don’t let the fact that you don’t know how to write code stop you from helping the kids at your library learn.

STEM Teen Read: The public libraries in Illinois's DeKalb county are partnering with with Northern Illinois University's STEM Outreach Department to provide year-round teen programs. Throughout the year, teens read selected science fiction books, participate online, and then meet up virtually or live for free discussions and Q&A sessions with experts who explain the science behind the fiction. While reading each book, teens can join virtual chats, watch related videos, share fan fiction, and connect with other teens on the program's website. The most successful program to date was an entire day of programming with Cory Doctorow in attendance.

COOL RESOURCES ON THE WEB

GENERAL SCIENCE

Science Buddies A top reference site for science fair project ideas, Science Buddies boasts over 1,000 project ideas in all areas of science. Using the project ideas index, you can find projects for library programming in the following areas: Physical Science, Life Science, Engineering, Earth & Environmental Science, Engineering, Behavioral & Social Science, and Math & Computer Science. Projects can be searched by a grade level range. [2]

PBS offers a variety of websites that are useful for selecting potential S.T.E.M. curriculum for public library programs. Although most of the associated television programs actually target a younger audience, many of the activities suggested can be easily adapted to use with Young Adults. [2]

PBS Fetch This well-designed guide developed for Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, offers 37 inexpensive hands-on activities in 12 topic areas related to chemistry, physics, life sciences, engineering and math with an emphasis on fun! [2]

PBS Dragonfly This part of the Dragonfly TV website contains 12 downloadable teacher guides each of which include 3-4 high-interest topics like the physics behind various sports and the chemistry of make-up. [2]

The SciGirls website developed for the new television program of the same name boasts 12 video enhanced modules that include hands-on activities to help girls get excited about STEM related fields. [2]

ZOOM may be no longer on PBS channels, but the website is a treasure trove of quick and easy activities related to science and engineering. [2]

Design Squad Nation This site is designed to help formal and informal educators in leading tweens and teens in quality engineering and design experiences. It includes a wealth of activities related to 10 STEM topics, six downloadable guides, and short video profiles of field experts that provide an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate guest speakers in your library programs. [2]

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is the known as the largest science center in the western hemisphere. Their website features a collection of 40 hands-on activities (and growing) that can be sorted by topic and grade level. [2]

San Francisco’s innovative Exploratorium, the museum of science, art and human perception hosts what is arguably the premier online resource for STEM. Their website features hand-on activities, online exhibits, videos, articles, specialized websites, and more than can possibly be described in this brief annotation. [2]

Science of Everyday Life includes videos, lesson plans, activities, resources, and virtual labs for teachers, families and students.

STEM Connector provides a directory of STEM resources, broken down into categories based on subject, type of resource, targeted age group, and more. The site also has a blog and a newsletter to keep up with STEM resources and news.

SciStarter provides science projects that can be searched or browsed based on location (at home, in a car, etc.) or by topic. There is also a blog and a weekly newsletter.

Citizen Science from Scientific American is a program that highlights opportunities to participate in real science projects.

Bring Science Home, also from Scientific American, provides a new experiment every Thursday. While the site describes the experiments as being for ages 6-12, older teens will still enjoy them.

Thinkfinity has collected resources for educators that align with state standards. Resources included cover all subject areas, including STEM.

National Geographic’s Education site includes ideas for teachers, informal educators, families, students, and kids. Find resources based on age, audience, subject, and whether or not something is downloadable.

National Academies Press has free pdfs of their publications related to STEM education. This is the place to go to look at the findings of current research related to the field. Of particular interest is Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments by Marilyn Fenichel and Heidi A. Schweingruber.